Sealed inflatable sail for a marine vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an inflatable sail (2) which is formed by a sealed casing (20) made concave by the integration of shaping elements for shaping an inner surface (201) of the sealed casing (20) so as to make it curved with respect to an outer surface (202). The outer surface (202) is secured to the inner surface (201) via connectors which connect one to the other. The sealed casing (20) thus delimits an inner space (VI) which is delimited by the inner surface of an extrados edge (24) and an intrados edge (23) of the inflatable sail (2), the inner space (VI) being located outside the sealed casing (20). Such a sealed casing (20) thus makes it possible to be inflated with air in order to define an aerodynamic profile for the inflatable sail (2) in a particularly clever and efficient manner.

Description

[0001] WATERTIGHT INFLATABLE SAIL FOR MARITIME VEHICLE

[0002]

[0001] The technical context of the present invention is that of sails equipping maritime vehicles, and in particular those with sail propulsion. More particularly, the invention relates to an inflatable sail having a waterproof envelope.

[0003] [2] In the state of the art, the use of inflatable sails as rigging on sail-powered vehicles is known. Such inflatable sails comprise a double skin having an aerodynamic profile whose shape is reminiscent of that of an aircraft wing. The known inflatable sails thus delimit an interior cavity between a first skin wall forming the intrados and a second skin wall forming the extrados. The interior cavity is inflated and maintained at overpressure in order to maintain the aerodynamic profile of such an inflatable sail.

[0004] [3] Thus, such inflatable sails are held vertically by means of a mast which extends inside the inner cavity of the inflatable sail, between the two skin walls. A pneumatic system makes it possible to control a quantity of air injected into the known inflatable sails, so as to guarantee an overpressure of said inflatable sails.

[0005] [4] In particular, document FR3008382A1 is also known, which describes a device for producing a sail with a self-supporting aerodynamic profile that can be oriented 360°. The sail is composed of a front part and a rear part, each forming a section of the predefined aerodynamic profile. The front part and the rear part can be oriented relative to each other along a vertical axis. The sail is inflatable and pressurized by obtaining a double wall, each wall being connected to the other by threads simultaneously woven on the two facing walls.

[0006] [5] A known disadvantage of such inflatable sails is the continuous use of a pump to inject air into such inflatable sails in order to maintain sufficient pressure necessary for its operation. [6] Furthermore, another known disadvantage is related to the fact that the mast supporting such inflatable sails extends through the interior cavity, making the interactions between the sail and the mast more complex on the one hand, and the conservation of the previously mentioned overpressure on the other hand.

[0007] [7] Finally, we also know the document FR3123308A1 which describes a sailing assembly comprising a non-watertight inflatable sail supported by a mast. The inflatable sail is formed of two surfaces facing each other forming a closed cavity around the mast. The sailing assembly further comprises an air duct arranged between the inside and the outside of the cavity of the sail, and a means for injecting air into said cavity. Thus, when the sail is inflated, it has an aerodynamic profile.

[0008] [8] A disadvantage of this sail assembly is that the non-watertightness of the inflatable sail leads to air being constantly blown into the cavity in order to keep the said sail in shape. In addition, due to the permanent loss of air from the cavity, the surface tension of the inflatable sail is not very high, leading to a deformation of the aerodynamic profile of the inflatable sail under the effect of wind pressure. This situation is also not desired because it leads to a reduction in the performance of the inflatable sail, and in particular its lift.

[0009] [9] The object of the present invention is to propose a new inflatable sail in order to respond at least in large part to the preceding problems and to further lead to other advantages.

[0010]

[0010] Another object of the invention is to simplify the use of such an inflatable sail.

[0011]

[0011] Another object of the invention is to reduce the costs of developing and manufacturing such an inflatable sail.

[0012]

[0012] Another aim of the invention is to reduce electrical consumption - or even energy consumption more generally - when using such an inflatable sail.

[0013]

[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide a more rigid aerodynamic profile under normal conditions of use.

[0014] Another aim of the invention is to improve the lift of such an inflatable sail.

[0014]

[0015] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with an inflatable sail for a maritime vehicle, the inflatable sail comprising a three-dimensional waterproof envelope forming an inflatable volume delimited by:

[0015]

[0016] - an outer surface and an inner surface located opposite the outer surface, the outer surface and the inner surface being connected to each other by a plurality of connectors which extend between the inner surface and the outer surface;

[0016]

[0017] - an upper surface connecting the outer surface to the inner surface at an upper edge of the waterproof envelope;

[0017]

[0018] - a lower surface connecting the outer surface to the inner surface at a lower edge of the waterproof envelope;

[0018]

[0019] - a rear surface connecting the outer surface to the inner surface at a trailing edge of the sealed envelope;

[0019]

[0020] the waterproof envelope being folded back on itself at a leading edge of the inflatable sail and around a specific elongation axis, so that the inflatable sail comprises an intrados edge and an extrados edge located opposite each other, on either side of the specific elongation axis, the leading edge, the intrados edge and the extrados edge delimiting between them - by the inner surface of the waterproof envelope - an interior volume of the inflatable sail, said intrados edge and said extrados edge having - by the outer surface of the waterproof envelope - a predetermined aerodynamic profile for the inflatable sail.

[0020]

[0021] In the context of the present invention, the inflatable sail is a sailing sail as used on a maritime vehicle. Unlike a conventional sail, an inflatable sail is a volume sail delimiting an interior cavity - the watertight envelope in the present invention - which shapes, in a very general manner, a first skin wall forming a lower surface and a second skin wall forming an upper surface. The interior cavity is inflated and maintained at overpressure in order to maintain a state of shape of such an inflatable sail. The inflatable sail according to the first aspect of the invention is configured to generate aerodynamic lift on the sail assembly on which it is intended to be mounted.It is recalled that, in the context of the invention, lift is a component of a force - the wind blowing against the inflatable sail - experienced by a moving body - the inflatable sail - in a fluid - the air - which is exerted perpendicular to the direction of movement.

[0021]

[0022] In the context of the present invention, the airtight envelope describes the inner cavity of the inflatable sail, i.e. the one inside which air is blown in order to shape the inflatable sail. Particularly advantageously, the inflatable sail according to the invention thus has a airtight inner envelope, so that when said inflatable sail is inflated, by blowing air into the airtight envelope, then the air thus injected can no longer escape freely from the airtight envelope. In other words, the airtight envelope forms a closed, leak-free envelope, so that when a gas is injected therein, it cannot escape in an uncontrolled manner. In particular, in the context of the present invention, the airtight nature of the airtight envelope is verified for a pressure of less than 500 mbar, preferably less than 150 mbar, advantageously less than 100 mbar.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sealed envelope is sealed for an internal pressure of the inflatable sail at least equal to 80 mbar. Thus, for such pressures, the air blown into the sealed envelope remains there without it being necessary to inject air again to maintain the shape of said sealed envelope and, consequently, the inflatable sail. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it makes it easier to operate the inflatable sail according to the invention and limits the use of pneumatic devices making it possible to maintain a sufficient level of pressure in the inflatable sail to ensure its stability.

[0022]

[0023] In the context of the present invention, the waterproof envelope forms a volume folded back on itself around the proper elongation axis and delimited in particular by the lower surface and the upper surface which extend respectively at one end of the proper elongation axis and at another end of said proper elongation axis. Thus, the lower surface closes the inflatable volume of the waterproof envelope at a proximal edge of a deck of the maritime vessel on which the inflatable sail according to the first aspect of the invention is intended to be embarked; and the upper surface closes the inflatable volume of the waterproof envelope at a distal edge of the deck of the maritime vessel, that is to say at an upper end of a mast used to raise the inflatable sail according to the first aspect of the invention.According to a first embodiment variant, the sealed envelope consists of a single volume which extends between the inner surface, the outer surface, the lower surface and the upper surface. Alternatively, according to a second embodiment variant, between the inner surface, the outer surface, the lower surface and the upper surface, the sealed envelope comprises several interior spaces in fluid communication with each other or isolated from each other.

[0023]

[0024] In the context of the present invention, the inner surface and the outer surface of the waterproof envelope are located opposite each other, and connected to each other by the lower surface and the upper surface. The inner surface and the outer surface are kept at a distance from each other by means of several connectors which extend into the inflatable volume of the waterproof envelope, between the inner surface and the outer surface. Thus, the waterproof envelope forms a structure of non-zero thickness, taken between the inner surface and the outer surface of the waterproof envelope.The inner surface and the outer surface preferably extend parallel to each other, the waterproof envelope being of constant thickness and homogeneous to the entire waterproof envelope, or the inner surface and the outer surface extend symmetrically with respect to a median plane, the waterproof envelope being of non-homogeneous thickness, that is to say that the thickness of the waterproof envelope taken between two different points of said waterproof envelope may have deviations of the order of 10% to 30%. On the other hand, for a given geometry of the waterproof envelope, the inflatable sail has a more rigid aerodynamic profile than a non-waterproof inflatable sail, said aerodynamic profile then becoming invariant or substantially invariant under normal conditions of use.As a non-limiting example, the pressure of the air injected into the envelope is approximately 10 times greater than that of the air present in a non-watertight inflatable sail.

[0024]

[0025] In the context of the present invention, the connectors are made of a single material with the inner surface and / or the outer surface of the waterproof envelope, or they are attached and fixed integrally to the inner surface and / or the outer surface. The connectors are configured to prevent the inner surface and the outer surface from moving away from each other when the waterproof envelope is pressurized. In particular, the connectors are tensioned when the waterproof envelope is inflated, so as to fix a distance between the inner surface and the outer surface. The connectors are preferably of a non-elastic nature with respect to the forces exerted on the inflatable sail during its normal use and for the inflation pressures mentioned above. The connectors can take multiple forms.By way of non-limiting example, the connectors may take the form of filaments and / or partitions and / or diaphragms which extend between the inner surface and the outer surface. Preferably, the waterproof envelope is formed from a material comprising a polyester, as are the filaments forming the connectors of said waterproof envelope.

[0025]

[0026] According to a particularly advantageous and effective form of the invention, the waterproof envelope takes the form of a "Drop Stitch" structure as known in other technical fields, such as those relating to inflatable boats and paddle boards. Such technology has never been used for shaping an inflatable sail, and in particular a waterproof inflatable sail. Generally speaking, this technology is based on the principle of a three-dimensional fabric which allows its subsequent inflation. This fabric is shaped by the air blown inside its peripheral membrane - the inner surface, the outer surface, the upper surface and the lower surface in the inflatable sail according to the first aspect of the invention - and thanks to filaments connecting opposite parts of the envelope - the connectors. It is thus possible to obtain flat surfaces once the structure is inflated.Finally, such a "Drop Stitch" structure is closed on the entire side, sealed in a watertight manner. The higher the density of filaments - the connectors in the inflatable sail according to the invention -, the higher the rigidity and robustness of the three-dimensional structure - the watertight envelope in the inflatable sail according to the invention.

[0026]

[0027] In the context of the present invention, the waterproof envelope is shaped so as to form a complex structure aimed at defining an aerodynamic profile for the inflatable sail. Such an aerodynamic profile is delimited by the leading edge, the intrados edge, the extrados edge and the trailing edge of the inflatable sail, themselves being formed by the folding of the waterproof envelope around the proper elongation axis of the inflatable sail.

[0027]

[0028] In the context of the present invention, the leading edge of the inflatable sail is a front portion of the inflatable sail, from which an airflow incident on said inflatable sail separates into two, housing the intrados edge and the extrados edge of the inflatable sail. The trailing edge corresponds to a rear portion of the inflatable sail. The trailing edge is opposite the leading edge. The intrados edge of the inflatable sail corresponds to a side of said inflatable sail placed facing the wind. The extrados edge of the inflatable sail corresponds to a side of said inflatable sail placed under the wind. The extrados edge is opposite the intrados edge. The intrados edge and the extrados edge extend from the leading edge of the inflatable sail. The intrados edge, the extrados edge, the leading edge and the trailing edge are all made from one material. In other words, they are all formed by a single waterproof envelope which is shaped so as to form each of them.Each leading edge, intrados edge, extrados edge and trailing edge are delimited by the inner surface and the outer surface of the waterproof envelope. Of course, the invention is not limiting of a shape and / or a dimension of the inflatable sail and the waterproof envelope.

[0028]

[0029] In the context of the present invention, the shaping of the waterproof envelope leads to delimiting the interior volume located between the intrados edge and the extrados edge. For this purpose, the waterproof envelope is curved around the proper elongation axis of the inflatable sail, so that a first part of the interior surface and the exterior surface of the waterproof envelope is located on a first side of the proper elongation axis - thus forming the intrados edge of the inflatable sail, and a second part of the interior surface and the exterior surface of the waterproof envelope is located on a second side of the proper elongation axis - thus forming the extrados edge of the inflatable sail.This configuration is particularly advantageous because it exploits both the properties of a three-dimensional structure held in shape by the connectors and the shaping of an inflatable sail to precisely, rigidly and reliably form an aerodynamic profile.

[0030] In the context of the present invention, the proper elongation axis corresponds to the direction of a mast with which the inflatable sail is intended to collaborate.

[0029]

[0031] The inflatable sail in accordance with the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0030]

[0032] - the inner surface and / or the outer surface and / or the upper surface and / or the lower surface of the waterproof envelope are fixed together by means of a waterproof fixing. By way of non-limiting example, such a waterproof fixing may be of the welded and / or gluing type;

[0031]

[0033] - the aerodynamic profile formed by the intrados edge and the extrados edge of the inflatable sail through the outer surface of the waterproof envelope is of the NACA profile type. In other words, the outer surface of the waterproof envelope taken at the intrados edge, the leading edge and the extrados edge forms an aerodynamic profile of a wing, according to a NACA profile, complete or incomplete. In the context of the present invention, a shape of the NACA profile is described using a series of figures making it possible to describe - via equations - a section of the profile and determine its properties. The figures here correspond to the relative value of a given dimension compared to a length of a chord taken between the leading edge and the trailing edge of the inflatable sail.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention but not limiting thereof, the inflatable sail according to the first aspect of the invention has all or part of a NACA profile of the 0021 type. In a particularly advantageous manner, the inflatable sail according to the first aspect of the invention is integrated into a sail assembly, a first part of which, taken from its leading edge and along the chord, is formed by the inflatable sail according to the invention, which can be described by a NACA profile. Additionally, a second part of the sail assembly, taken beyond the first part, is formed by a pivoting flap which will be described later.Advantageously, the first part is between 60% and 85% of a total length of the inflatable sail that would be taken without the pivoting flap, i.e. between 60% and 85% of a complete symmetrical NACA airfoil; and the second part is between 15% and 40% of the total length of the inflatable sail taken in full. In other words, the NACA airfoil of the inflatable sail is interrupted at a distance between 60% and 85% of a complete symmetrical NACA airfoil, taken from its leading edge, and the second part that extends to the trailing edge of the complete symmetrical NACA airfoil is replaced by the pivoting flap. Preferably, the inflatable sail extends along 75% of a complete symmetrical NACA airfoil, and the pivoting flap extends along the remaining 25% of said complete symmetrical NACA airfoil.The pivoting flap thus makes it possible, at the level of the second part of the inflatable sail, to improve the adjustment and adaptation capacities of the sail assembly to wind conditions and thus to improve the lift of the sail assembly;

[0032]

[0034] - in general, the NACA profile can take any shape. In particular, it can be asymmetrical or symmetrical, relative to the chord of the inflatable sail extending between the trailing edge and the leading edge of said inflatable sail;

[0033]

[0035] - a distance between the inner surface and the outer surface of the waterproof envelope is advantageously identical at every point of said waterproof surface. Alternatively, a distance between the inner surface and the outer surface of the waterproof envelope is possibly different at one or more points of said waterproof surface. In particular, a distance between the inner surface and the outer surface of the waterproof envelope is between 5 cm and 20 cm, preferably between 10 cm and 15 cm. It is understood that the distance between the inner surface and the outer surface of the waterproof envelope is defined by a length of the connectors. Thus, the connectors can all be the same length or have different lengths at certain points depending on the desired effects and the desired thicknesses for the waterproof envelope.Preferably, a distance between the inner surface and the outer surface is greater at the leading edge of the inflatable sail, relative to the intrados edge and / or the extrados edge of said inflatable sail, compared to the distance between said inner surface and said outer surface of the inflatable sail, taken between said intrados edge and said extrados edge at a trailing edge of said inflatable sail;

[0034]

[0036] - the inner surface of the waterproof envelope comprises an inner surface shaping member configured to lead to a curvature of the waterproof envelope when the inflatable sail is inflated. The shaping member thus makes it easier to shape the waterproof envelope when it is folded back on itself around its own elongation axis. In other words, the shaping member makes it possible to curve the waterproof envelope around its own elongation axis. Thanks to the shaping member, the waterproof envelope is self-supporting and shaped without the need to resort to devices external to the inflatable sail in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.The shaping member makes it possible in particular to maintain a constant and homogeneous distance between the inner surface and the outer surface of the waterproof envelope taken at the level of a zone of curvature of the inflatable sail - for example at the level of the leading edge - relative to a non-curved or less curvature part of the inflatable sail, for example taken between the inner surface and the outer surface of the waterproof envelope at the level of the intrados edge or the extrados edge;

[0035]

[0037] - in particular, the member for shaping the inner surface of the waterproof envelope comprises at least one shaping clamp for the inner surface of the waterproof envelope, each shaping clamp making it possible to connect (i) a part of the inner surface located on a first side of an extension axis of the shaping clamp, the extension axis being taken parallel to the specific elongation axis of the inflatable sail, to (ii) a part of the inner surface located on a second side opposite the first side with respect to the extension axis.In other words, the inner surface of the waterproof envelope comprises at least one shaping clip for shaping the inner surface of the waterproof envelope, each shaping clip extending relative to the proper elongation axis of the inflatable sail and making it possible to reduce a distance between two parts of the inner surface of the waterproof envelope, relative to a direction perpendicular to the proper elongation axis. Each shaping clip corresponds to an intervention, i.e. to machining and / or cutting and / or joining of the two parts located opposite each other of an area to be shortened of the inner surface. Thus, each shaping clip makes it possible to reduce an area of ​​the inner surface of the waterproof envelope, so that, when the inflatable sail is curved around the proper elongation axis, shaping the waterproof envelope is simplified and facilitated.More particularly, such a configuration ultimately makes it possible to obtain the desired shape of the inflatable sail by simple inflation of the waterproof envelope, without subsequent interaction, nor constraint or external forces to the inflatable sail;

[0036]

[0038] - possibly, in the case where the waterproof envelope comprises several shaping clamps, the shaping clamps are located on either side of the leading edge of the inflatable sail, preferably in a symmetrical manner if the profile sought for the inflatable sail is of the type of a symmetrical aerodynamic profile;

[0037]

[0039] - generally speaking, all the shaping clamps are located close to the leading edge of the inflatable sail. Indeed, it is at the leading edge that the waterproof envelope wraps around the proper elongation axis of the inflatable sail. Consequently, it is close to the leading edge that the shaping clamps should be arranged in order to constrain the inner surface and the outer surface of the waterproof envelope to a radius of curvature determined by a difference in surface area between said inner surface and said outer surface;

[0038]

[0040] - the shaping clips can take many different forms. According to a first embodiment, the shaping member comprises at least one shaping clip, each shaping clip comprising at least one surface fold of the inner surface of the sealed envelope formed between the two parts to be brought closer to the inner surface of the sealed envelope, the at least one surface fold being kept folded against said inner surface. In the context of the invention, the surface fold means a fold folded against the inner surface of the sealed envelope, the inner surface thus being shortened by the presence of the surface fold. Subsequently, each at least one surface fold is kept in shape and against the inner surface by any means making it possible to maintain the tightness of the sealed envelope, such as for example by welding and / or by gluing.Optionally, alternatively or additionally, each at least one surface ply is held in shape and against the inner surface by means of a seam. In this case, in order to maintain the watertightness of the waterproof envelope, the seam is doubled with a seal, for example by soaking the seam with a gel or a material making it possible to seal holes formed in the inner surface by said seam. Each surface ply is formed by a superposition of one or more layers of the inner surface of the waterproof envelope, so as to shorten an area of ​​said inner surface - relative to said outer surface taken before formation of said surface ply - each layer of the inner surface being superimposed on one another, in excess of the inner surface;

[0039]

[0041] - according to a second embodiment forming a preferred embodiment of the invention, the shaping member comprises at least one shaping clamp, each shaping clamp comprising a patch secured to the two parts to be brought together of the sealed envelope, the inner surface having a cut-off zone between said two parts to be brought together and located under the patch. In this embodiment, the two parts to be brought together can be separated from each other by a free edge, corresponding to a part of the inner surface which has been cut and removed - giving way to the cut-off zone - to allow the two parts to be brought together remaining in place on the inner surface. The patch is preferably formed from a material identical to the sealed envelope.Subsequently, the patch is held securely to the two parts to be brought together, simultaneously, against the inner surface, by any means allowing the waterproof envelope to be kept watertight, such as for example by welding and / or by gluing. Optionally, alternatively or additionally, the patch forming each at least one surface fold is held in shape and against the inner surface by means of a seam. In this case, in order to maintain the watertight envelope, the seam is doubled with a seal, for example by soaking the seam with a gel or a material allowing holes formed in the inner surface by said seam to be sealed in a watertight manner;

[0040]

[0042] - according to a third embodiment, the shaping member comprises at least one shaping clamp, each shaping clamp comprising at least one volumetric fold of the inner surface of the sealed envelope formed by bringing the two parts to be brought together in the direction of the outer surface of the sealed envelope, the at least one volumetric fold being kept folded by welding and / or gluing against said inner surface. In the context of the invention, the volumetric fold is located in the sealed envelope, between the inner surface and the outer surface. The volumetric fold is then formed by bringing the two parts to be brought together on the inner surface of the sealed envelope, so as to place them in a gap delimited by the inner surface and the outer surface and inside which gap extend the connectors which keep said inner surface and said outer surface connected to each other.Thus, the volumetric fold extends inside the sealed envelope. Alternatively, in this third embodiment of the invention, the volumetric fold is located outside the area delimited by the inner surface and the outer surface, beyond the outer surface relative to the inner surface. The volumetric fold is then formed by bringing the two parts to be brought closer to the inner surface of the sealed envelope, so as to form a protrusion extending beyond the outer surface. Thus, in this alternative of the third embodiment of the invention, the volumetric fold extends outside the sealed envelope;

[0041]

[0043] - according to a fourth embodiment, the shaping member comprises at least one shaping strip which extends in a secant manner to the proper elongation axis of the inflatable sail, the shaping strip comprising first sections fixed integrally to the inner surface of the waterproof envelope and, alternately, second sections not connected to the inner surface, each at least one shaping strip further comprising a tensor connected to each first section and each second section so that, when the tensor is configured in a so-called stretched configuration, then the first sections are all brought together against each other. Thus, each shaping strip makes it possible to pleat the inner surface of the inflatable sail, the outer surface remaining in its initial state.This advantageous configuration thus makes it possible to reduce the dimensions of the inner surface of the waterproof envelope so that the inner surface of the intrados edge and the extrados edge of the inflatable sail has a morphology similar to that of the outer surface. In this embodiment, each shaping strip preferably extends perpendicular to the specific elongation axis of the inflatable sail, between the intrados edge and the extrados edge for example, or between the trailing edge and the leading edge on each intrados edge and extrados edge taken separately from one another. Each shaping strip is preferably formed from a material identical to the waterproof envelope.Subsequently, the first sections of each shaping strip are held securely to a part facing the inner surface, by any means allowing the waterproof envelope to be kept watertight, such as for example by welding and / or by gluing. Optionally, alternatively or additionally, the first sections of each shaping strip are held in shape and against the inner surface by means of a seam. In this case, in order to maintain the watertight envelope, the seam is doubled with a seal, for example by soaking the seam with a gel or a material allowing holes formed in the inner surface by said seam to be sealed in a watertight manner;

[0042]

[0044] - the inflatable sail comprises a device for controlling a flow of air into or out of the sealed envelope. The control device is configured to control a volume and / or a flow rate and / or a pressure of a fluid injected into the sealed envelope in order to inflate the inflatable sail. It is recalled that, due to the very nature of the inflatable sail according to the first aspect of the invention, the control device does not have to be configured to regulate a pressure in the inflatable sail during its operation, since the tightness of the pressure-tight envelope implemented in the context of the invention makes the volume of air injected into the sealed envelope conservative. In other words, the control device is configured to inject a predetermined volume of fluid into the sealed envelope in order to inflate the inflatable sail, and to extract a predetermined quantity of fluid from the sealed envelope in order to deflate the inflatable sail.When the inflatable sail is inflated, the control device is then inactive thanks to the tightness of the waterproof envelope. In the context of the present invention, the fluid injected into the sail is a gas, preferably air;

[0043]

[0045] - the device for controlling the air flow into or out of the sealed envelope comprises a pump and at least one fluid conduit in fluid communication with the inflatable volume of the sealed envelope. Thus, the pump makes it possible to inject air into the sealed envelope, and possibly to extract air from the sealed envelope;

[0046] - preferably, the inflatable sail comprises a device for controlling an air flow into or out of the sealed envelope, the device for controlling the air flow into or out of the sealed envelope comprising a pump and at least one fluid conduit in fluid communication with the inflatable volume of the sealed envelope;

[0044]

[0047] - the fluid conduit is fluidically coupled to the inflatable volume of the waterproof envelope at the lower surface of said waterproof envelope. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to facilitate the operations of inflating and deflating the inflatable sail, by respectively facilitating the introduction of air into the waterproof envelope and respectively the expulsion of air from the waterproof envelope;

[0045]

[0048] - in the context of the present invention, the inflatable sail is inflated with air pulsed into the sealed envelope via the airflow control device, so that an internal pressure in said sealed envelope is less than 500 mbar, preferably less than 250 mbar, preferably between 50 mbar and 150 mbar, preferably equal to 80 mbar. These pressures thus make it possible to form an inflatable sail having an aerodynamic profile that is sufficiently robust and reliable to allow traction of a maritime vehicle equipped with such an inflatable sail. In other words, the sealing of the sealed envelope makes it possible to pressurize the sealed envelope to pressures such that the surface tension of the inflatable sail then becomes sufficiently strong to make it rigid and non-deformable, or virtually non-deformable at the wind pressures to which it is intended to be exposed during normal use.Additionally, the use of the waterproof envelope makes it possible to reduce the electrical consumption linked to the operation of the control device once the inflatable sail is inflated.

[0046]

[0049] - the inflatable sail comprises a plurality of devices for attaching the intrados edge and the extrados edge of the inflatable sail at its trailing edge. The attachment devices thus make it possible to connect the intrados edge to the extrados edge of the inflatable sail at its trailing edge. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to form, in addition to the shape itself of the waterproof envelope defined by its inner surface and its outer surface in particular, the desired aerodynamic profile. In addition, the attachment devices make it possible to keep the inflatable sail together and in shape and to prevent it from deforming under the effect of the wind to which it is subjected;

[0047]

[0050] - advantageously, the attachment devices are regularly distributed along the proper elongation axis. For example, the attachment devices are distributed every 60 cm relative to the proper elongation axis, between the lower surface and the upper surface of the waterproof envelope. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to guarantee a regular aerodynamic profile of the inflatable sail along its proper elongation axis;

[0048]

[0051] - for this purpose, each attachment device comprises a strap, a first end of which is secured to the intrados edge and / or the extrados edge and a second end of which is secured respectively to the extrados edge and the intrados edge;

[0049]

[0052] - each strap comprises, at the first end and / or the second end, a device for adjusting a tension of the strap between the intrados edge and the extrados edge of the inflatable sail. The device for adjusting the tension of the strap comprises, for example, a bridle loop collaborating with one of several holes provided on the strap itself, thus making it possible to select several different tension values ​​depending on the hole selected to engage the bridle loop. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device for adjusting the tension of the strap comprises a bridle loop inside which the strap is inserted and thus making it possible to be held in a predetermined position, by friction;

[0050]

[0053] - each strap has a stiffener configured to stiffen said strap between the intrados edge and the extrados edge of the inflatable sail and to fix a distance between the two free edges. The stiffener thus makes it possible to avoid a bending effect of the strap when a tensile force is applied to the strap;

[0051]

[0054] - the stiffener is attached to the corresponding strap. Alternatively, the stiffener is made of the same material as the corresponding strap. The stiffener is of the type of a rib which extends between the first end and the second end of the corresponding strap. The stiffener is formed from a material comprising a composite material. The stiffener material comprises a carbon fiber filler and / or a glass fiber filler;

[0055] - preferably, the inflatable sail comprises a plurality of devices for attaching the intrados edge and the extrados edge of the inflatable sail at its trailing edge, each attachment device comprising a strap, a first end of which is secured to the intrados edge and a second end of which is secured to the extrados edge, each strap comprising a stiffener configured to stiffen said strap between the intrados edge and the extrados edge of the inflatable sail;

[0052]

[0056] - the inflatable sail has a rubber or polyurethane coating applied to the waterproof envelope. The rubber or polyurethane coating makes it possible to improve or even obtain the waterproofness of the waterproof envelope. Alternatively, the inflatable sail has a polyurethane coating applied to the waterproof envelope. Alternatively, the inflatable sail has an elastic thermoplastic coating applied to the waterproof envelope.

[0053]

[0057] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a sailing assembly for a maritime vehicle, the sailing assembly comprising:

[0054]

[0058] - a mast;

[0055]

[0059] - an inflatable sail in accordance with the first aspect of the invention or according to any of its improvements, the inflatable sail being fixed integrally to the mast, the mast extending parallel to the axis of elongation of the inflatable sail.

[0056]

[0060] The sailing assembly according to the second aspect of the invention is intended to equip any type of maritime vehicle.

[0057]

[0061] In the sail assembly according to the second aspect of the invention, the inflatable sail is integral with the mast, so that external forces applied to the inflatable sail, such as for example the pressure of the wind on the intrados edge of the inflatable sail, or the suction of the extrados edge, are transmitted to the mast.

[0058]

[0062] The mast extends parallel to the elongation axis of the inflatable sail, and it is understood that the waterproof envelope of the inflatable sail wraps around an axis parallel to the mast.

[0059]

[0063] The sail assembly in accordance with the second aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0060]

[0064] - the mast extends into the interior volume of the inflatable sail, between the intrados edge and the extrados edge. This particularly advantageous configuration is made possible due to the particular shape of the inflatable sail. Indeed, unlike known inflatable sails, the inflatable sail according to the first aspect of the invention does not have its inflation volume inside which the mast extends. On the contrary, in the sail assembly according to the first aspect of the invention, the mast extends outside the inflatable sail, thus making the mechanical interactions between the mast and the inflatable sail for the transmission of sail forces significantly simpler. In the context of the present invention, the interior volume is the open space delimited by each interior surface of the watertight envelope taken, on the one hand, on the intrados edge of the inflatable sail and, on the other hand, on the extrados edge of said inflatable sail.It is thus understood that, in the context of the present invention, the interior volume in which the mast of the sail assembly extends is distinct from the inflatable volume of the interior envelope itself;

[0061]

[0065] - the mast is telescopic in order to facilitate the operations of inflating and deflating the inflatable sail and, at the same time, to allow the reefing of the inflatable sail to be adapted;

[0062]

[0066] - relative to the chord extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the inflatable sail, the mast is located at a distance of between 20% and 25% of a total length of the inflatable sail taken between the leading edge and the trailing edge, counted from said leading edge. Preferably the mast is located at a distance equal to 22% of the chord of the inflatable sail, taken from the leading edge;

[0063]

[0067] - the sail assembly comprises a plurality of attachment rackets which extend from the mast, each attachment racket being located at a different position along said mast, relative to the proper elongation axis, the inflatable sail being attached to each of said attachment rackets. In the context of the present invention, each attachment racket is an element for transmitting forces from the inflatable sail to the mast, when the inflatable sail is subjected to the wind;

[0064]

[0068] - each fixing racket extends across the interior volume delimited by the intrados edge and the extrados edge of the inflatable sail, the interior surface of the waterproof envelope being located opposite a peripheral edge of said fixing racket. Each fixing racket has a shape similar to that of the interior surface of the waterproof envelope, so as to optimize the holding of the inflatable sail around the mast;

[0065]

[0069] - each fixing racket extends in a plane perpendicular to the mast, the inner surface of the waterproof envelope being fixedly attached to each of the fixing rackets by means of fixing devices. The fixing devices can take any form in the context of the present invention. In particular, according to one embodiment of the invention, each fixing device comprises (i) an eyelet fixedly attached to the inner surface of the waterproof envelope, (ii) a complementary opening provided on the fixing racket, (iii) a tip connecting the eyelet to the opening.

[0066]

[0070] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a maritime vehicle comprising:

[0067]

[0071] - at least one hull;

[0068]

[0072] - at least one sailing assembly in accordance with the second aspect of the invention or according to any of its improvements and the mast of which is fixed integrally and in a rotatable manner to one of the at least one hull.

[0069]

[0073] The maritime vehicle is of the monohull or multihull type. In particular, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sail-powered vehicle is of the catamaran type.

[0070]

[0074] The maritime vehicle is of the sail propulsion type or of the hybrid type comprising a powertrain complementary to the at least one sail assembly. The powertrain comprises, for example, a thermal engine or an electric motor.

[0075] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, incorporating, in all their possible combinations, the various optional features set out herein.

[0071]

[0076] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the attached schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0072]

[0077] Figure 1: illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an inflatable sail in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

[0073]

[0078] Figure 2: illustrates a detail view of the upper and front part of the inflatable sail illustrated in FIGURE 1;

[0074]

[0079] Figure 3: illustrates a detail view of the upper and rear portion of the inflatable sail illustrated in FIGURE 1;

[0075]

[0080] Figure 4: illustrates a cross-sectional detail view of the inflatable sail illustrated in FIGURE 1;

[0076]

[0081] Figure 5: illustrates a schematic view of a first variant embodiment of a method for shaping the inflatable sail according to the invention, by means of first shaping clamps;

[0077]

[0082] Figure 6: illustrates a schematic view of a second variant embodiment of a method for shaping the inflatable sail according to the invention, by means of second shaping clamps;

[0078]

[0083] Figure 7: illustrates a schematic view of a third variant embodiment of a method for shaping the inflatable sail according to the invention, by means of third shaping clamps;

[0079]

[0084] Figure 8: illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a sail assembly in accordance with the second aspect of the invention;

[0080]

[0085] Figure 9: illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a maritime vehicle in accordance with the third aspect of the invention.

[0081]

[0086] Of course, the features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other, in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0082]

[0087] In particular, all the variants and embodiments described can be combined with each other if there is no technical obstacle to this combination.

[0083]

[0088] In the figures, elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0084]

[0089] With reference to FIGURES 1, 2 and 3, the invention relates to an inflatable sail 2 for a maritime vehicle 8. The inflatable sail 2 comprises a three-dimensional waterproof envelope 20 forming an inflatable volume delimited by:

[0085]

[0090] - an outer surface 202 and an inner surface 201 located opposite the outer surface 202, the outer surface 202 and the inner surface 201 being connected to each other by a plurality of connectors 206 which extend between the inner surface 201 and the outer surface 202 - a detailed and sectional view of which is illustrated in FIGURE 4;

[0086]

[0091] - an upper surface 203 connecting the outer surface 202 to the inner surface 201 at an upper edge 35 of the sealed envelope 20;

[0087]

[0092] - a lower surface 204 connecting the outer surface 202 to the inner surface 201 at a lower edge 36 of the sealed envelope 20;

[0088]

[0093] - a rear surface 205 connecting the outer surface 202 to the inner surface 201 at a trailing edge 21 of the sealed envelope 20.

[0089]

[0094] Particularly advantageously, the inflatable sail 2 takes a complex shape: the waterproof envelope 20 is folded back on itself at a leading edge 22 of the inflatable sail 2 and around a specific elongation axis 01, so that the inflatable sail 2 has a lower surface edge 23 and an upper surface edge 24 located opposite each other, on either side of the specific elongation axis 01, the leading edge 22, the lower surface edge 23 and the upper surface edge 24 delimiting between them - by the inner surface 201 of the waterproof envelope 20 - an inner volume VI of the inflatable sail 2, said lower surface edge 23 and said upper surface edge 24 having - by the outer surface 202 of the waterproof envelope 20 - a predetermined aerodynamic profile for the inflatable sail 2.

[0090]

[0095] Thus, the inflatable sail 2 according to the invention makes it possible to obtain an aerodynamic profile in an efficient, robust and durable manner by the constrained folding of the waterproof envelope 20. Indeed, as visible in FIGURES 1 to 3, it is the shape of the waterproof envelope 20 which leads to presenting the intrados edge 23 and the extrados edge 24 opposite each other and at a distance from each other. This configuration is particularly advantageous for defining the aerodynamic profile of the inflatable sail 2.

[0091]

[0096] As mentioned previously, the sealed envelope 20 forms a closed and sealed volume for internal pressures such as those implemented in the context of maritime use, that is to say in order to be implemented on sailing assemblies 1 equipping maritime vehicles 8 of any type.

[0092]

[0097] The aerodynamic profile given to the sail 2 can vary depending on the desired effects. Generally speaking, it is described by the NACA standard known and used in the aeronautical field to describe the shapes and dimensions of an aircraft wing. The aerodynamic profile of the illustrated embodiment is preferably of the NACA 0021 type. Cleverly, the use of a sealed envelope 20 to form such an aerodynamic profile leads to numerous advantages. Starting from a sealed envelope 20 of generally parallelepiped conformation, the latter is shaped in order to be folded on itself and wound around a specific elongation axis 01 at the leading edge 22 of the inflatable sail 2. The means implemented to allow such folding will be described in more detail with reference to FIGURES 5, 6 and 7.

[0093]

[0098] Such an aerodynamic profile of the inflatable sail 2 according to the invention thus comprises a concave shape near the leading edge 22, in order to present the intrados edge 23 and the extrados edge 24 on either side of the proper elongation axis 01 and delimiting between them the interior volume VI of the inflatable wing inside which it is possible to erect a mast 7 of a sail assembly 1, as visible in FIGURE 8. The intrados edge 23 and the extrados edge 24 extend in the direction of the trailing edge 21 in a convergent manner towards each other, so as to be able to be linked to each other at the trailing edge 21, as visible in FIGURE 3. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1 to 3, the intrados edge 23 and the extrados edge 24 extend symmetrically with respect to a plane central median passing through a rope line 02 of the inflatable sail 2.Of course, the invention is not limiting of this configuration, and one could imagine an asymmetrical geometry for the intrados edge 23 and the extrados edge 24.

[0094]

[0099] From such a watertight envelope 20, it is possible to give any shape to the inflatable sail 2 according to the invention, including in particular any shapes not forming an aerodynamic profile described by the NACA standard. As visible in FIGURES 1 and 8, in a plane formed by a chord line 02 and by the proper elongation axis 01, the intrados edge 23 and the extrados edge 24 have a generally trapezoidal shape. Thus, relative to a direction taken along the chord 02 of the inflatable sail 2, the lower surface 204 is of greater length than the outer surface 202 of the waterproof envelope 20. Furthermore, relative to the proper elongation axis 01, the trailing edge 21 is inclined towards the leading edge 22 going towards the upper surface 203, in a greater manner than the inclination of the leading edge 22 in the direction of the trailing edge 21.

[0095]

[0100] An area of ​​the intrados edge 23 or of the extrados edge 24 may be any size depending on the desired applications, and in particular depending on the size of the maritime vehicle 8 equipped with such an inflatable sail 2. By way of non-limiting examples, such an area may be of the order of several tens of square meters to several hundred square meters in the case of use for pleasure boating, and of the order of several hundred square meters in the case of use for commercial maritime transport.

[0096]

[0101] Thus, the sealed envelope 20 of the inflatable sail 2 forms a closed volume having a certain thickness between the inner surface 201 and the outer surface of the sealed envelope 20. This thickness is measured perpendicular to the outer surface 202 and to the inner surface 201 of the point considered. Over the entire surface area of ​​the inflatable sail 2 according to the invention, it is thus possible to define a sealed envelope 20 of constant thickness or, depending on the desired needs, of different thicknesses, in particular between the leading edge 22 and the trailing edge 21 of the inflatable sail 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the inflatable sail 2 is between 150 mm and 250 mm. It is for example greater near the leading edge 22, and narrower near the trailing edge 21 of the inflatable sail 2.

[0097]

[0102] Advantageously, the inner surface 201 of the waterproof envelope 20 extends parallel to the outer surface 202, so that the inner surface 201 defines, at the level of the inner volume VI of the inflatable sail 2, an aerodynamic profile of a shape similar and homothetic to that presented together by the intrados edge 23, the leading edge 22 and the extrados edge 24, at the level of the outer surface 202 of the waterproof envelope 20.

[0098]

[0103] The inflatable sail 2 according to the invention thus makes it possible to present the interior volume VI which is not subject to the wind when the inflatable sail 2 is used. Conversely, the interior volume VI is an empty space inside which it is possible to install and deploy devices - not shown in FIGURES 1 to 3 - making it possible to maintain and / or hoist or reef the inflatable sail 2, such as for example a mast 7, possibly telescopic - visible in FIGURE 8 - and fixing rackets making it possible to connect the interior surface 201 of the waterproof envelope 20 to said mast 7 in order to transmit lift forces exerted by the wind on the inflatable sail 2, to the mast 7.The clever geometry of the inflatable sail 2 according to the invention thus makes it possible to facilitate the interactions between the inflatable sail 2 and these devices, deployed in an area located outside the waterproof envelope 20, that is to say in the interior volume VI rather than between the interior surface 201 and the exterior surface 202 of the waterproof envelope 20. It is thus easier to ensure maintenance in the open sea for example.

[0099]

[0104] With reference to FIGURE 3, the intrados edge 23 and the extrados edge 24 are connected to each other at the trailing edge 21 of the inflatable sail by a plurality of attachment devices 5. The attachment devices 5 thus make it possible to hold together, for example against each other, the intrados edge 23 and the extrados edge 24 of the inflatable sail 2 at its trailing edge 21, and to prevent one and / or the other from oscillating in the wind, which would make the aerodynamic profile variable, reducing its lift and, consequently, its effectiveness on the traction of the maritime vehicle 8.

[0105] The attachment devices 5 are regularly distributed along the trailing edge 21 of each intrados edge 23 and extrados edge 24. For example, two adjacent attachment devices 5 along the trailing edge 21 of the inflatable sail 2 are 60 cm apart.

[0100]

[0106] More particularly, each attachment device 5 comprises:

[0101]

[0107] - a strap 50, a first end of which is secured to the intrados edge 23 and a second end of which is secured to the extrados edge 24. The strap 50 is for example formed from a woven material or a rope 02;

[0102]

[0108] - a first adjustment device 51 for adjusting the tension of the strap 50 located at the intrados edge 23. The first adjustment device 51 takes the form, for example, of a loop collaborating with holes provided on the strap 50 at the first end or of a tightening loop inside which the strap 50 is folded and held in position by friction;

[0103]

[0109] - a second adjustment device 51 for adjusting the tension of the strap 50 located at the extrados edge 24. The second adjustment device 51 takes the form, for example, of a loop collaborating with holes provided on the strap 50 at the second end.

[0104]

[0110] In the case of the clever association of the inflatable sail 2 according to the invention with a pivoting flap 3 which will be described later, then the trailing edge 21 of the inflatable sail 2, and more particularly all of the straps of the attachment devices 5, comprises a stiffener 52 configured to increase the rigidity of said strap 50 between its two ends. In this case, the pivoting flap 3 - through its bearing edge, is configured to be pressed against the bearing surface formed by the trailing edge 21 and / or the straps of the attachment devices 5. The stiffener 52 thus makes it possible to avoid a bending effect of the strap 50 when a tensile force is applied to the strap 50 during the use of the pivoting flap 3, and in particular when it is rotated to adapt the aerodynamic profile and the lift generated by the inflatable sail 2 according to the conditions of exposure to the wind.

[0105]

[0111] The stiffener 52 is formed from a material comprising a composite material, such as for example a carbon fiber filler and / or a glass fiber filler.

[0112] With reference to FIGURES 4 to 7, further explanations as to the nature of the watertight envelope 20 will now be given. According to a particularly interesting effect, the inflatable sail 2 is watertight, thanks to its watertight envelope 20. Thus, once a predetermined volume of gas is introduced into the watertight envelope 20, it remains there permanently without it being necessary to add more subsequently. Thus, it is possible to easily inflate the watertight envelope 20 to a predetermined pressure so that the inflatable sail 2 has an aerodynamic profile and sufficient apparent rigidity - on its intrados edge 23 and on its extrados edge 24 - to create a lift effect which leads to traction of the maritime vessel on which the inflatable sail 2 is intended to be embarked.

[0106]

[0113] Thus, the inflatable sail 2 is a voluminous sail 2 because its shape of use is obtained by internal inflation rather than by inflation due to the pressure of the wind on the intrados edge 23. For this purpose, in general, the waterproof envelope 20 of such an inflatable sail 2 is of the type of a “Drop Stitch” structure as known in the field of inflatable paddle boards. Such a waterproof envelope 20 forms a three-dimensional fabric which allows its subsequent inflation.

[0107]

[0114] The waterproof envelope 20 forming this three-dimensional fabric has a geometry which is conditioned by the shapes and dimensions of the inner surface 201 and the outer surface 202, these being connected to each other by the connectors 206. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIGURE 4, the connectors 206 take the form of filaments which are connected at each of their ends to respectively the inner surface 201 or the outer surface 202 of the waterproof envelope 20. These connectors 206 make it possible to retain the inner surface 201 opposite the outer surface 202 and, depending on a length of said connectors 206, to define a geometry and a curvature for the inner surface 201 and the outer surface 202.

[0108]

[0115] Thus, in the case where the connectors 206 are all of the same length, it is possible to obtain an interior surface 201 parallel to the exterior surface 202. Furthermore, by adapting the length of the interior surface 201 relative to that of the exterior surface 202, it is possible to locally curve the sealed envelope 20.

[0109]

[0116] In general, the inflatable sail 2 according to the invention comprises one or more OMF shaping members of the inner surface 201. Each OMF shaping member is configured to lead to a curvature of the sealed envelope 20 - in the vicinity of said OMF shaping member - when the inflatable sail 2 is inflated. Consequently, a position of the OMF shaping members on the sealed envelope 20, and / or an elongation of the OMF shaping members along the inner surface 201 of the sealed envelope 20 and / or a density of the OMF shaping members on the sealed envelope 20 makes it possible to shape the inflatable sail 2 without any other means of constraint. In other words, the OMF shaping member(s) provided directly on the sealed envelope 20 - and more particularly at its inner surface 201 - alone make it possible to define the desired aerodynamic profile of the inflatable sail 2.

[0110]

[0117] In particular, the shaping member OMF allows the waterproof envelope 20 to be folded around the specific elongation axis 01 of the inflatable sail 2, at its leading edge 22. In the embodiment illustrated in the FIGURES, the waterproof envelope 20 is thus formed in a single piece, that is to say in a single volume without added parts. Of course, the invention is not limiting of this design, and one could easily imagine the combination and patching of several waterproof envelopes added to each other in order to form together an inflatable sail 2 having a shape other than that illustrated in the FIGURES.

[0111]

[0118] The OMF shaping member of the inner surface 201 of the sealed envelope 20 comprises at least one PMF shaping clamp of the inner surface 201 of the sealed envelope 20, each PMF shaping clamp making it possible to bond

[0112]

[0119] - a first part to be brought closer 2011 to the inner surface 201 located on a first side of the PMF shaping clamp,

[0120] - a second part to be brought closer 2012 to the inner surface 201 located on a second side opposite the first side with respect to the PMF shaping clamp.

[0113]

[0121] The sealed envelope 20 is thus produced, that is to say transformed with respect to an initial state in which said sealed envelope 20 is not curved, in order to ultimately obtain the desired aerodynamic profile. In general, each PMF shaping clamp corresponds to a machining and / or a cutting and / or a connection of the two parts to be brought together 201 1 , 2012 located opposite one another of a part to be removed 2013 or to be shortened from the inner surface 201 , in order to obtain a concavity of said inner surface 201 .

[0114]

[0122] Generally speaking, all the PMF shaping clamps are located close to the leading edge 22 and at a distance from the trailing edge 21 of the inflatable sail 2, since it is at the level of the leading edge 22 of the inflatable sail 2 that the concavity of the waterproof envelope 20 is the greatest.

[0115]

[0123] Several OMF shaping members are illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7. For each of them, the schematic state of a portion of the sealed envelope 20 is shown on the left before the integration of the OMF shaping member leading to its shaping. In this initial state, the portion of the sealed envelope 20 is rectilinear, the inner surface 201 extending in a flat manner and parallel to the outer surface 202, which is also flat. On the right, the schematic state of the same portion of the sealed envelope 20 is shown once the OMF shaping member is applied to said portion of the sealed envelope 20. In this final state, the application of the shaping member makes it possible to obtain the curvature of the portion of the sealed envelope 20, the inner surface 201 extending in a curved manner and parallel to the outer surface 202, which is also curved. So, on these FIGURES:

[0116]

[0124] - FIGURE 5 illustrates a first embodiment, in which each PMF shaping clamp comprises a patch 2015 secured to the two parts to be brought together 2011, 2012 of the sealed envelope 20, the inner surface 201 having a cutting zone 2014 delimiting a part to be removed 2013 between said two parts to be brought together 2011, 2012. Once the part to be removed 2013 from the inner surface 201 has been removed, the two parts to be brought together 2011, 2012 are brought together, so that their respective cutting zone 2014 are abutted against each other. Finally, the patch 2015 is applied, that is to say held securely to the two parts to be brought together 2011, 2012, simultaneously, against the inner surface 201, by any means making it possible to maintain the sealing of the sealed envelope 20, such as for example by welding and / or by gluing and / or by stitching associated with a sealing of said seam produced;

[0117]

[0125] - FIGURE 6 illustrates a second embodiment, in which each PMF shaping clamp comprises at least one surface fold 2017 of the inner surface 201 of the sealed envelope 20. The surface fold 2017 is formed between the two parts to be brought together 201 1 , 2012 of the inner surface 201 of the sealed envelope 20, the at least one surface fold 2017 being kept folded against said inner surface 201 . The surface fold 2017 is folded against the inner surface 201 of the sealed envelope 20, so that the area to be folded 2016 located between the two parts to be brought together 201 1 , 2012 is finally curved back on itself, before being fixed and in the state against the inner surface 201.The surface fold 2017 is then held securely to the inner surface 201, by any means making it possible to maintain the sealing of the sealed envelope 20, such as for example by welding and / or by gluing and / or by stitching associated with sealing of said seam produced;

[0118]

[0126] - FIGURE 7 illustrates a third embodiment, in which each PMF shaping clamp comprises at least one volumetric fold 2018 of the inner surface 201 of the waterproof envelope 20. The volumetric fold 2018 is formed between the two parts to be brought together 201 1 , 2012 of the inner surface 201 of the waterproof envelope 20, the at least one volumetric fold 2018 being kept folded projecting from said inner surface 201 - towards the outer surface 202 or, as shown in FIGURE 7, towards the inner volume VI of the inflatable sail 2. The volume fold 2018 thus forms a hernia with respect to the interior surface 201 of the sealed envelope 20, so that the zone to be folded 2016 located between the two parts to be brought together 2011, 2012 is finally curved back on itself and fixed as is.The volumetric fold 2018 is held securely to the inner surface 201, by any means making it possible to maintain the tightness of the watertight envelope 20, such as for example by welding and / or by gluing and / or by stitching associated with a sealing of said seam produced.

[0119]

[0127] With reference to FIGURE 8, a sailing assembly 1 is described comprising a mast 7 and an inflatable sail 2 as described previously, the inflatable sail 2 being fixed integrally to the mast 7 by any means, the mast 7 extending parallel to the proper elongation axis 01 of the inflatable sail 2.

[0120]

[0128] The sailing assembly 1 is intended to equip any type of maritime vehicle 8, and in particular of the type of pleasure craft, monohull or multihull, for pleasure use or commercial transport of goods or people.

[0121]

[0129] Cleverly, mast 7 extends into the inner volume VI of the sail

[0122] 2 inflatable, between the intrados edge 23 and the extrados edge 24. Thus, the mast 7 extends outside the watertight envelope 20 of the inflatable sail 2, thus making the mechanical interactions between the mast 7 and the inflatable sail 2 much simpler for the transmission of the forces of the inflatable sail 2. This configuration makes it possible in particular to place the mast 7 very far in front of the inflatable sail 2, and in particular at a distance of between 20% and 25% of a chord length 02 of the inflatable sail 2 and counted from said leading edge 22.

[0123]

[0130] As visible in FIGURE 1, the sail assembly 1 according to the invention may optionally comprise a pivoting flap 3 associated with the inflatable sail 2. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to make the aerodynamic profile of the inflatable sail 2 adaptable according to the strength and orientation of the wind relative to the inflatable sail 2, by adapting an angular orientation of the pivoting flap 3 relative to an axis of rotation thereof.

[0124]

[0131] The pivoting shutter 3 can be inflatable or rigid. In the case where the pivoting shutter

[0125] 3 is inflatable, it comprises an inflatable cavity 30 which can be filled, in a manner similar to the inflatable sail 2, with a gas - preferably air - in order to shape the pivoting flap 3 according to its predetermined profile. Advantageously, the pivoting flap 3 is of the sealed type, that is to say that, for internal gas filling pressures, said gas introduced into the inflatable cavity 30 remains without loss and without leakage. In the case of a pivoting flap 3 of the rigid type, then the pivoting flap 3 comprises a rigid frame and one or more non-deformable panels - in the context of normal use.

[0126]

[0132] The pivoting flap 3 has a generally pyramidal shape, one base of which has a triangular profile. Of course, the invention is not limiting of a shape of pivoting flap 3, and the example illustrated in FIGURE 1 is only an exemplary embodiment given by way of non-limiting illustration. The pivoting flap 3 extends along the proper elongation axis 01, between a front edge 31 and a rear edge 32 of said pivoting flap 3. The pivoting flap 3 is delimited by two lateral edges 33, 34, each lateral edge being respectively located in the extension of the intrados edge 23 and the extrados edge 24 of the inflatable sail 2, so that, when the pivoting flap 3 is in its neutral position, it extends the aerodynamic profile of the inflatable sail 2. On the other hand, when the pivoting flap 3 is inclined relative to its axis of rotation, then it modifies the aerodynamic profile of the inflatable sail 2.

[0127]

[0133] Each lateral edge of the pivoting flap 3 has a generally trapezoidal shape, similar to the conformation of the inflatable sail 2.

[0128]

[0134] The pivoting flap 3 is delimited, towards the front, by a front edge 31 and, towards the rear, by a rear edge 32. Relative to the proper elongation axis 01, the pivoting flap 3 is delimited, towards the bottom, by a lower edge 36 and, towards the top, by an upper edge 35. The pivoting flap 3 has a dimension taken along the proper elongation axis 01 which is preferably identical to that of the inflatable sail 2.

[0129]

[0135] In order to allow the pivoting flap 3 to rotate around its axis of rotation, the pivoting flap 3 further comprises a pivoting device 4. The axis of rotation is located along a bearing edge of said pivoting flap 3. The pivoting device 4 thus makes it possible to orient the pivoting flap 3 in a direction different from the orientation of the inflatable sail 2 given - itself - by the orientation of the mast 7 to which it is attached. Thus, the pivoting flap 3 makes it possible to have an additional adjustment means for adapting the wind resistance of the sail assembly 1. An angular adjustment amplitude provided by such a pivoting device 4 is for example between +45° and -45° relative to a neutral position in which the pivoting flap 3 is aligned with the inflatable sail 2.

[0136] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 1, the bearing edge of the pivoting flap 3 is the front edge 31 of said pivoting flap 3. Thus, the pivoting flap 3 is configured to be located behind the inflatable sail 2. However, according to another possible variant embodiment not shown in the FIGURES, the bearing edge of the pivoting flap 3 is the rear edge 32 of said pivoting flap 3. Thus, the pivoting flap 3 is then configured to be located in front of the inflatable sail 2.

[0130]

[0137] Additionally, in one or other of the variants mentioned here, the pivoting flap 3 can be located in the direct extension of the inflatable sail 2, the bearing edge of the pivoting flap 3 being located directly opposite a bearing surface of the inflatable sail 2 against which the pivoting device 4 collaborates during its operation; or the pivoting flap 3 can be placed at a distance from the inflatable sail 2, separated for example by the mast 7 which then forms the bearing surface for the pivoting device 4.

[0131]

[0138] Particularly advantageously, the pivoting device 4 is of the pneumatic type. For example, the pivoting device 4 comprises at least one inflatable bladder - and preferably two inflatable bladders located next to each other against the bearing edge of the pivoting flap 3, and a control member - not visible in the FIGURES - of a volume of air injected into each at least one inflatable bladder. Each inflatable bladder takes the form of an air chamber fluidly coupled to the control member, so as to be able to control a dimension of the inflatable bladder. Each inflatable bladder forms a closed pocket whose dimensions depend on a volume of air injected into said inflatable bladder. Consequently, the dimensions of each inflatable bladder make it possible to apply a thrust force to the bearing edge of the pivoting flap 3 and against the bearing surface located opposite, leading to a rotation of said pivoting flap 3 in a given direction.Each inflatable bladder is preferably airtight, so that it is not necessary to continuously inject air into said inflatable bladder to maintain it in a predetermined state of shape and volume.

[0132]

[0139] The control member is of the pneumatic type. The control member makes it possible to control a volume of air introduced or present in each inflatable bladder, independently of one another. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 1, the pivoting device 4 comprises a first inflatable bladder and a second inflatable bladder:

[0133]

[0140] - a first pressure value of the first inflatable bladder and a second pressure value of the second inflatable bladder correspond respectively to a first volume of the first inflatable bladder and to a second volume of the second inflatable bladder, leading to a first angular position of the pivoting flap 3 relative to its axis of rotation; and

[0134]

[0141] - a third pressure value of the first inflatable bladder and a fourth pressure value of the second inflatable bladder correspond respectively to a third volume of the first inflatable bladder and to a fourth volume of the second inflatable bladder, leading to a second angular position of the pivoting flap 3 relative to its axis of rotation.

[0135]

[0142] The pivoting flap 3 is fixedly attached to the bearing surface through a connection which allows the pivoting flap 3 to rotate but which prevents said pivoting flap 3 from moving away from the bearing surface and relative to the rope 02 of the sail assembly 1. For this purpose, the pivoting device 4 comprises a system for retaining the pivoting flap 3 - and more particularly the inflatable cavity 30 in the case of a pivoting flap 3 of the inflatable type - with the bearing surface, the retaining system being configured to allow rotation of the pivoting flap 3 around its axis of rotation and to prevent said pivoting flap 3 from moving away from said bearing surface.

[0136]

[0143] The retaining system comprises a plurality of straps, a first end of which is secured to the bearing edge of the pivoting flap 3 and a second end of which is secured to the bearing surface located opposite said bearing edge. Each strap thus makes it possible to maintain the bearing edge of the pivoting flap 3 in position close to the bearing surface located opposite said leading edge 22, during the rotation of said pivoting flap 3. The straps of the retaining system extend in a crossed manner between the bearing edge of the pivoting flap 3 and the bearing surface. By "crossed", it is understood that the straps together form an X-shaped configuration in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the pivoting flap 3. In particular, all the straps extend between the bearing edge of the bearing surface so as to materialize an axis parallel to the axis of rotation.In particular, between the upper edge 35 of the pivoting flap 3 and the lower edge 36, the straps extend in a crossed manner and alternating with each other, a first strap extending from a central part of the bearing edge and towards the bearing surface on the side of a first lateral edge 33 of the pivoting flap 3, and a second strap following the first strap extending from the central part of the bearing edge and towards the bearing surface on the side of a second lateral edge 34 of the pivoting flap 3. In the context of the present invention, the central part of the bearing edge is understood as a part located on the side of a median region of the bearing edge.

[0137]

[0144] In the example illustrated in FIGURE 1 in which the pivoting flap 3 is placed in direct contact with the inflatable sail 2, then the second ends of the straps forming the retaining system are preferably fixed integrally to the attachment devices 5 of the inflatable sail 2, and in particular to the straps 50 connecting the intrados edge 23 to the extrados edge 24 of the inflatable sail 2.

[0138]

[0145] Finally, the FIGURE illustrates a maritime vehicle 8 comprising at least one hull 81 and at least one sail assembly 1 as described previously, the mast 7 of each at least one sail assembly 1 being fixedly and rotatably to one of the at least one hull 81 or to a platform 82 of the maritime vehicle 8.

[0139]

[0146] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE, the maritime vehicle 8 is of the type of a pleasure boat, and in particular a catamaran. Such a catamaran has for example two sail assemblies 1 as described previously, each sail assembly 1 being fixed integrally to the platform 82 of the maritime vehicle 8, on each side of one of the two hulls 81.

[0140]

[0147] In summary, the invention relates to an inflatable sail 2 formed by a waterproof envelope 20 made concave by the integration of shaping members OMF making it possible to shape an inner surface 201 of the waterproof envelope 20, so as to make it curved opposite an outer surface 202. The outer surface 202 is integral with said inner surface 201 by means of connectors 206 connecting one to the other. The waterproof envelope 20 thus delimits an inner volume VI delimited by the inner surface of an extrados edge 24 and a intrados edge 23 of the inflatable sail 2, said inner volume VI being located outside the waterproof envelope 20. Such a waterproof envelope 20 thus makes it possible to be inflated with air to define an aerodynamic profile for the inflatable sail 2 in a particularly clever and effective manner.

[0148] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the different characteristics, forms, variants and embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other in various combinations insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above can be combined with each other.

Claims

Claims

1. Inflatable sail (2) for a maritime vehicle (8), the inflatable sail (2) comprising a three-dimensional waterproof envelope (20) forming an inflatable volume delimited by: - an outer surface (202) and an inner surface (201) located opposite the outer surface (202), the outer surface (202) and the inner surface (201) being connected to each other by a plurality of connectors (206) which extend between the inner surface (201) and the outer surface (202); - an upper surface (203) connecting the outer surface (202) to the inner surface (201) at an upper edge (35) of the sealed envelope (20); - a lower surface (204) connecting the outer surface (202) to the inner surface (201) at a lower edge (36) of the sealed envelope (20) - a rear surface (205) connecting the outer surface (202) to the inner surface (201) at a trailing edge (21) of the waterproof envelope (20), the waterproof envelope (20) being folded back on itself at a leading edge (22) of the inflatable sail (2) and around a specific elongation axis (01), so that the inflatable sail (2) has a lower surface edge (23) and an upper surface edge (24) located opposite each other, on either side of the specific elongation axis (01), the leading edge (22), the lower surface edge (23) and the upper surface edge (24) delimiting between them - by the inner surface (201) of the waterproof envelope (20) - an interior volume (VI) of the inflatable sail (2), said lower surface edge (23) and said upper surface edge (24) having - by the outer surface (202) of the waterproof envelope (20) - a predetermined aerodynamic profile for the inflatable sail (2).

2. Inflatable sail (2) according to the preceding claim, in which the aerodynamic profile formed by the intrados edge (23) and the extrados edge (24) of the inflatable sail (2) through the outer surface (202) of the waterproof envelope (20) is of the NACA profile type.

3. Inflatable sail (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the inner surface (201) of the waterproof envelope (20) comprises a shaping member (OMF) of the inner surface (201) configured to lead to a curvature of the waterproof envelope (20) when the inflatable sail (2) is inflated.

4. Inflatable sail (2) according to claim 3, in which the shaping member (OMF) comprises at least one shaping clamp (PMF), each shaping clamp (PMF) comprising at least one surface fold (2017) of the inner surface (201) of the waterproof envelope (20) formed between two parts to be brought together (2011, 2012) of the inner surface (201) of the waterproof envelope (20), the at least one surface fold (2017) being kept folded against said inner surface (201).

5. Inflatable sail (2) according to claim 3, in which the shaping member (OMF) comprises at least one shaping clamp (PMF), each shaping clamp (PMF) comprising a patch (2015) glued or welded to two parts to be brought together (2011, 2012) of the waterproof envelope (20), the inner surface (201) having a cut-off zone (2014) between said two parts to be brought together (2011, 2012) and located under the patch (2015).

6. Inflatable sail (2) according to claim 3, in which the shaping member (OMF) comprises at least one shaping clamp (PMF), each shaping clamp (PMF) comprising at least one volumetric fold (2018) of the inner surface (201) of the waterproof envelope (20) formed by bringing together two parts to be brought together (2011, 2012) in the direction of the outer surface (202) of the waterproof envelope (20), the at least one volumetric fold (2018) being kept folded by welding and / or gluing against said inner surface (201).

7. Inflatable sail (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the inflatable sail (2) comprises a device for controlling an air flow into or out of the sealed envelope (20), the device for controlling the air flow into or out of the sealed envelope (20) comprising a pump and at least one fluid conduit in fluid communication with the inflatable volume of the sealed envelope (20).

8. Inflatable sail (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the inflatable sail (2) comprises a plurality of attachment devices (5) for the intrados edge (23) and the extrados edge (24) of the inflatable sail (2) at its trailing edge (21), each attachment device (5) comprising a strap (50) a first end of which is secured to the intrados edge (23) and a second end of which is secured to the extrados edge (24), each strap (50) comprising a stiffener (52) configured to stiffen said strap (50) between the intrados edge (23) and the extrados edge (24) of the inflatable sail (2).

9. Sailing assembly (1) for maritime vehicle (8), the sailing assembly (1) comprising: - a mast (7); - an inflatable sail (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, the inflatable sail (2) being fixed integrally to the mast (7), the mast (7) extending parallel to the proper elongation axis (01) of the inflatable sail (2).

10. Sailing assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the sailing assembly (1) comprises a plurality of attachment rackets which extend from the mast (7), each attachment racket being located at a different position along said mast (7), relative to the proper elongation axis (01), the inflatable sail (2) being attached to each of said attachment rackets.

11. Maritime vehicle (8) comprising: - at least one shell (81); - at least one sailing assembly (1) according to any one of claims 9 or 10 and the mast (7) of which is fixed integrally and rotatably to one of the at least one hull (81).

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